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Best Historic Restaurants in College Area

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3091)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 44 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 4 times today
In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7915)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 109 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.5
Awesome(237)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.
A photo of Seréa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2265)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Coronado
Booked 62 times today
Serẽa is proud to bring an exquisite sea-to-table dining experience to San Diego in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.Located just steps from the beach in the legendary Hotel del Coronado, the restaurant's key focus is the bounty of the sea. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood, with a coastal cuisine menu that spotlights the best of the region's oceans, farms and fields, ranging from the California Coast down to the Baja Peninsula.Creative cuisine with a global flair is prepared by San Diego's own Chef Jojo Ruiz, who creates elegant, fresh dishes with just a hint of Mediterranean flair.*Serea & The Hotel Del Coronado are currently undergoing a once in a century transformation, after 100 years, we felt a facelift was in order!We wish you to be aware there will be evolving changes to the way we are able to serve you during this period as Serea and The Hotel Del Coronado are reimagined for generations to come.*
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4556)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 139 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1625)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4137)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 78 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of Tako restaurant
4.2
Awesome(55)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old Town
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.5
Awesome(629)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 49 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kimberly
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From the staff to the meals it was fabulous , even on a very busy night it was an awesome experience
    More info
    SeréaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Coronado
    4.6
  • KarenVIP
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Christmas night, dining outdoors on the patio, cozy heater next to us, tender prime rib and hot mashed potatoes, a good wine, and just enough attention from our server, Maurice. What's not to love? Cohn family dining in beautiful San Diego! Happy New Year, everyone! (I did ask them to please turn down the volume on the...uh... lively Christmas music so we could visit, and they promptly obliged.)
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    4.6
  • SophiaVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had an amazing experience celebrating Christmas Eve at Alexander’s. The food and service are exceptional and I can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • CarlaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    What a charming bistro! The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by the green walls, which create a vintage feel. The staff provided exceptional service with upbeat, happy attitudes—you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together. The food and cocktails were outstanding. My steak and frites were cooked to perfection, and the clams and oysters, praised by our guests, were incredibly fresh with no hint of smell. The bibb salad was perfectly dressed, with subtle notes of Dijon and anise, making it ideal for sharing. While we ordered too many dishes to name, highlights included a perfectly balanced crème brûlée and a decadent chocolate soufflé that was well worth the wait. As a fan of Pali Hotels, I’m always impressed by their in-house restaurants, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in San Diego!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    4.5
  • Stephanie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    We come here for all our birthdays and the food quality never disappoints! Ordered the Mushroom Ravioli today, but we’ve had the Paella, Pasta, and Veef plate with mashed potatoes and we want to kiss the chef every time.
    More info
    Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
    4.9
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